(a) improving, enhancing, or otherwise maximizing soil health and
quality, and minimizing soil erosion and sedimentation;
(b) improving, enhancing, or otherwise maximizing water infiltration
rates and water holding capacities of soils for improved storm water
management and flood control, drought resilience, and groundwater
supply; and
(c) managing and enhancing the healthy cycling of nutrients within
fields, to minimize nutrient runoff and reduce downstream nutrient
loading, improve watershed health and reliable water availability,
restore and enhance wildlife habitat, and manage water runoff and
drainage water for improved local and downstream water quality.
3. The department, in the development of efforts to promote and
encourage soil health, shall conduct public virtually accessible
stakeholder meetings and provide opportunity for written public comment
and consult with stakeholders, as appropriate, including, but not
limited to: the state soil and water conservation committee, the
department of environmental conservation, agricultural producers
including historically marginalized producers, not-for-profit
conservation organizations, environmental protection organizations
including environmental justice, the United States Department of
Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Services, the New York
state college of agriculture and life sciences established in section
fifty-seven hundred twelve of the education law including Cornell
Cooperative Extension, other institutions of higher education in New
York state working on soil health, and any other organization designated
by the commissioner.
4. The department, in cooperation with the state soil and water
conservation committee, the New York state college of agriculture and
life sciences established in section fifty-seven hundred twelve of the
education law, and with input from other organizations with expertise in
soil health and regional stakeholders, shall establish appropriate
voluntary standards and objectives for soil health and quality,
reflective of the different geographic regions, soil types, and farming
operations. Such standards should include soil quality indicators for
biological, physical, and chemical properties of soil and reflect the
latest scientific advancements.